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Committee delays consideration of Somerville Housing Authority police appointments pending records review
Summary
Committee kept three Somerville Housing Authority Police Department appointment items in committee and signaled an intent to review personnel files in executive session at a future meeting pending 48‑hour notice to candidates; staff provided a redacted memo addressing policies and complaint procedures.
The committee deferred consideration of three Somerville Housing Authority Police Department appointments (agenda items 8–10) on April 30 to allow time to review personnel files and related policies.
The chair said the committee received a redacted memo answering questions about Housing Authority police policies and complaint procedures, statewide POST certification compliance, and internal review processes. Committee members were told the appointments of Housing Authority police officers have not been reviewed by the committee for several years and that the recent inquiries prompted requests for documentation.
The chair said the law department and the mayor’s liaison confirmed records exist that the committee could review in executive session, but candidates must be notified 48 hours in advance before personnel records can be discussed in executive session. Because the committee did not provide that notice in advance of the April 30 meeting, the chair said the items would be held for the next committee meeting so members can request an executive session and review personnel files if they choose.
Ending
Committee members were invited to submit procedural questions in advance. The Housing Authority police appointment items will remain in committee and be taken up at the next meeting, with the potential for executive session if the notice requirement is met.
